Skip to content
basque.press imagotipo logo basque press
Menu
  • · News · Noticias · Albisteak · Informations · Basque Country · País Vasco · Pays Basque · Euskal Herria ·
Menu
Santa Agueda Agate Deuna

Santa Agueda, the Basque tradition that unites the People with the Land

Posted on February 3, 2023February 6, 2023 by BP

Santa Agueda (Agate Deuna, in Basque) is a deep-rooted tradition in the Basque Country that is celebrated every February 4, the eve of this blessed woman.

The “cuadrillas” (groups of friends) take to the streets to sing the songs of the day, dressed in “baserritarrak” (typical rural clothing) and with the “makila” (wooden stick) in hand, marking the rhythm and raising money for a charitable cause. 

Formerly, this was a tradition of single men who were going to do their ‘military service’ that year; they would join together to go out and sing along the streets, or from farmhouse to farmhouse asking for money that they would then use for various purposes. This tradition is still maintained in different ways: For example, in the town of Altsasu (Navarra), the protagonists of the day are young people who come of age that same year. This collection of money is maintained in the capital of the Basque territory, Vitoria-Gasteiz, where everyone who participates gets a gift. 

In addition, in some municipalities of Bizkaia, Barakaldo and the area of Arratia among others, there are Hermitages (small churches) in honor of this Saint. Therefore, in these places the tradition is of great importance for the citizenship and has a lot of strength. In Zornotza (Bizkaia) they have their traditional costume for the specific celebration of this day. In addition, in this historical territory there are two different coplas (songs that are performed with or without accompanying musical instruments and usually contain simple stories with morals and funny anecdotes, or simply amusements), both of which are sung. On the one hand, the traditional one entitled “Santa Agueda” and, on the other hand, the less popular one entitled “Zoriona ta bakea”.

Emphasizing the coplas, there are different versions of the song “Santa Agueda”. The big differences are between regions, since there are different “euskalki” (dialects of Basque that are mainly differentiated between regions but also, in certain regions, are differentiated by towns), but also the copla can be different in certain towns. 

In the territories of Iparralde (north part of Euskal Herria in France), as a consequence of the civil war in Spain and the second world war afterwards, this tradition lost popularity but in these last years it has resurged in localities like Hendaye, Bayonne or San Juan de Luz, where the coplas have returned to take the streets and rural neighborhoods. Also in the municipality of Cáseda, in Navarra, not only the Saint is sung; there they also ring the bells, there are processions, fireworks are launched and musical pilgrimages (popular concerts) are organized. 

As in other Basque festivities, it is curious how on this day Christian and pagan traditions come together: On the one hand, as its own name indicates, the tradition is celebrated in honor of Saint Agueda, a Sicilian virgin and martyr of the 3rd century who was condemned to have her breasts cut off for rejecting the tyrant ‘Quinciano’ and, on the other hand, the blows given to the rhythm of the music with the makila on the ground, serve to awaken the earth and indicate that Winter must end, hoping that Spring will begin to bear fruit as soon as possible. Also with this ritual, Tradition and Science seem to unite, since it is objectively demonstrated that a few weeks later, Spring arrives in Euskal Herria thanks to these beautiful customs, jokes a group of scientists from the University of the Basque Country (EHU-UPV) who this year have been encouraged to sing in the streets of Bilbao.

‘Cuadrillas’ in Bilbao celebrating Santa Agueda
Negobide

Santa Agueda, una tradición vasca que une a las Personas con su Tierra

Santa Águeda (Agate Deuna, en euskera) es una tradición de fuerte arraigo en Euskal Herria que se celebra cada 4 de febrero, la víspera de la festividad de esta beata siciliana

En este día, las cuadrillas (grupos de personas amigas) salen a la calle para entonar los canciones propias del día, vestidas de ‘baserritarrak’ (indumentaria típica rural) y con la ‘makila’ (bastón de madera) en la mano, marcando el ritmo y recaudando dinero para alguna causa benéfica. 

Antiguamente, ésta era tradición de hombres solteros que ese mismo año debería realizar el ‘servicio militar’; se unían para salir a cantar recorriendo las calles, o de caserío en caserío pidiendo dinero que luego empleaban para cuestiones diversas. La tradición se sigue manteniendo de diferentes formas: Por ejemplo, en el pueblo de Altsasu (Navarra), son protagonistas del día jóvenes que cumplen la mayoría de edad ese mismo año. Esa recaudación de dinero se mantiene en la capital del territorio vasco, Vitoria-Gasteiz, donde todas las personas que participan obtienen además un regalo. 

En Barakaldo y algunos municipios tambie´n vizcaínos en la zona de Arratia, entre otras, existen Ermitas (pequeñas iglesias) en honor a esta Santa. Por ello, en estos lugares la tradición es de gran importancia para la ciudadanía y tiene mucha fuerza. Sin salir de Bizkaia, en Zornotza tienen su traje tradicional para la específica celebración de este día. Además, en este territorio histórico existen dos coplas distintas y se cantan ambas. Por un lado, la tradicional titulada “Santa Agueda” y, por otro, la titulada “Zoriona ta bakea”.

Haciendo hincapié en las coplas, existen diferentes versiones de la canción “Santa Agueda”. Las diferencias se encuentran entre regiones, puesto que hay diversos “euskalki” (dialectos del euskera en cada territorio pero también, en determinadas regiones se diferencian por pueblos).

En los territorios de Iparralde (Sur de Francia), como consecuencia de la guerra civil en España y la segunda guerra mundial después, esta tradición perdió popularidad pero en estos últimos años ha resurgido en localidades como Hendaia, Baiona o San Juan de Luz, donde las coplas han vuelto a tomar las calles y zonas rurales. También en Cáseda, municipio de Navarra, no solo se canta a la Santa; allí también suenan las campanas, hay procesiones, lanzan cohetes y se organizan romerías musicales (conciertos populares). 

Al igual que en otras festividades vascas, resulta curioso cómo este día se unen tradición cristiana y pagana: Por un lado, como su propio nombre indica, la tradición se celebra en honor a la Santa Agueda, virgen y mártir siciliana del siglo III que fue condenada a que le cortaran los pechos por rechazar al tirano ‘Quinciano’; y de otra parte, los golpes que se dan contra el suelo al ritmo de la música con la makila, sirven para despertar a la tierra e indicarle que el Invierno debe finalizar, esperando que la Primavera comience a dar sus frutos cuanto antes.

Y también con este ritual, Tradición y Ciencia parecen unirse, pues queda objetivamente demostrado que pocas semanas después, la Primavera llega a Euskal Herria gracias a estas bonitas costumbres, bromean en un grupo de personas científicas de la Universidad del País Vasco (EHU-UPV), que este año se han animado a cantar por las calles de Bilbao.

Crazy Ones Comunicación

Santa Ageda, pertsonak eta lurra batzen dituen euskal tradizioa

Santa Ageda otsailaren 4an, Santa Ageda bezperan, Euskal Herrian oso errotuta dagoen tradizioa da.

Koadrilak kalera ateratzen dira eguneko kantak abestera, baserritarrez jantzita eta makila eskuan dutela, erritmoa markatuz eta ongintzazko arrazoiren baterako dirua bilduz.

Antzina, urte horretan soldaduzka egin behar zuten gizon ezkongabeen tradizioa zen; kalez kale edo baserriz baserri ibiltzen ziren kantuz, gero hainbat gauzatarako erabiltzen zuten dirua eskatuz. Ohitura hori hainbat modutara mantentzen da: Adibidez, Altsasuko herrian (Nafarroa), urte horretan bertan adin nagusitasuna betetzen duten gazteak dira eguneko protagonistak. Diru-bilketa hori euskal lurraldeko hiriburuan mantentzen da, Gasteizen, non parte hartzen duten pertsona guztiek opari bat lortzen duten.

Gainera, Bizkaiko, Barakaldoko eta Arratiako zenbait udalerritan, besteak beste, ermita txikiak daude Santa honen omenez. Horregatik, leku horietan tradizioa oso garrantzitsua da herritarrentzat, eta indar handia du. Zornotzan (Bizkaia) dute egun hori ospatzeko jantzi tradizionala. Gainera, lurralde historiko honetan bi kopla ezberdin daude eta biak abesten dira. Alde batetik, Santa Ageda izeneko tradiziozkoa eta, bestetik, Zoriona ta bakea.

Koplak azpimarratuz, “Santa Agueda” abestiaren bertsio ezberdinak daude. Aldeak handiak dira eskualdeen artean, euskalki desberdinak baitaude (nagusiki eskualdeen artean bereizten diren euskalkiak, baina eskualde jakin batzuetan herrien arabera ere bereizten direnak), baina kopla ere desberdina izan daiteke herri jakin batzuetan.

Iparraldeko lurraldeetan, Espainiako gerra zibilaren eta bigarren mundu gerraren ondorioz, tradizio horrek ospea galdu zuen, baina azken urteotan berpiztu egin da Hendaian, Baionan eta Donibane Lohizunen, besteak beste, non koplek berriro hartu dituzten landa eremuko kale eta auzoak. Kasedan ere, Nafarroan, ez zaio Santuari bakarrik kantatzen; han ere kanpaiak entzuten dira, prozesioak daude, suziriak botatzen dira eta erromeria musikalak antolatzen dira (kontzertu herrikoiak).

Beste euskal jai batzuetan bezala, bitxia da egun honek tradizio kristaua eta paganoa nola batzen dituen: alde batetik, izenak berak dioen bezala, tradizioa Santa Agedaren omenez ospatzen da, III. mendeko birjina eta martiri siziliarra, Quinciano tiranoa arbuiatzeagatik bularrak moztera kondenatua izan zena ‘eta, bestetik, musikaren erritmoari makila lurrean jarrita ematen zaizkion kolpeek lurra esnatzeko eta Negua amaitu behar dela adierazteko balio dute, Udaberria lehenbailehen fruituak ematen hasiko delakoan. Erritual horrekin ere, badirudi Tradizioa eta Zientzia bat datozela, objektiboki frogatuta geratzen baita aste gutxi batzuk geroago, Udaberria Euskal Herrira ohitura polit horiei esker iristen dela. Txantxetan ari dira aurten Bilboko kaleetan kantatzera animatu diren Euskal Herriko Unibertsitateko (EHU) zientzialari talde batean.

Santa Agueda, une basque tradition qui joint les gens à leur Terre. 

Santa Águeda (Agate Deuna, en basque) est une tradition profondément enracinée au Pays Basque qui est célébrée chaque 4 de février, la veille de la fête de ce bienheureux sicilien. 

En ce jour, le “cuadrillas” (groups de amies) sortent dans la rue afin de mettre le ton aux chansons propre du jour, dressée de “baserritarrak” (costume rural typique) et avec la “makila” (canne de bois) à portée de main, en marquant le rythme et récolter de l’argent pour quelque cause bénéfique. 

Autrefois, cette tradition des garçons célibataires que cette année-là devrait réaliser le service militaire, ils se rejoignirent pour sortir à chanter en traversant les rues, ou de hameau en hameau en demandant de l’argent qu’après il était utilisé pour de différentes questions. La tradition est maintenue de différentes façons: par exemple, dans le village de Altsasu (Navarra) ce sont les protagonistes du jour, les jeunes qui fêtent son anniversaire cette année-là. Cette collecte d’argent est maintenue dans la capitale du territoire vasque, Vitoria-Gasteiz, où toutes les personnes qui participent reçoivent en plus un cadeau. 

À Barakaldo et quelques municipalités de Biscaye dans la zone de Arratia, entre autres, il existe des “Ermitas” (petites églises) en l’honneur de cette Santé. Par conséquent, dans ces endroits, la tradition a beaucoup d’importance pour les citoyens et il y a en plus beaucoup de force. Sans sortir de Biscaye, à Zornotza ils ont leur costume traditionnel pour le spécifique tradition pour la spécifique tradition de ce jour. En plus, dans ce territoire historique, il existe deux couplet différents et ils sont chantés tous les deux. D’un côté, la traditionnel titré “Santa Agueda” et de l’autre côté, la titré “Zoriona ta bakea”. 

Mettant l’accent sur les couples, il existe de différentes versions de la chanson “Santa Agueda!. Les différences se trouvent entre régions car il y a de différentes “euskaldi” (dialectes du vasque en chaque territoire, mais aussi dans certaines régions ils se différencient par villages). 

Dans les territoires de Iparralde (sur de la France), à conséquence de la guerre civil en l’ Espagne et la deuxième guerre mondiale après, cette tradition est perdait popularité mais dans cette derniers jours a resurgi en certaines localités comme Hendaye, Bayonne, Saint Jean de Luz, où les couples ont  ils ont repris les rues et les zones rurales. Aussi en Casedda, localité de Navarre, la copule n’est pas seulement chantée mais aussi s’entend des coup de cloche, il y a des processions, des feu d’artifices et il organise des “fêtes patronales” (concerts populaires). 

Tout comme d’ autres festivités basques, il se trouve curieux de la manière dans laquelle la tradition chrétien se joint avec la tradition paganne. D’un côté, comme son nom l’indique, la tradition est célébrée en l’honneur de “Santa Agueda”, vierge et martyre sicilienne du IIIe siècle condamnée à se faire couper les seins pour avoir rejeté le tyran ‘Quinciano’; de l’autre côté, les coups qui sont donnés contre le sol au rythme de la musique avec le makila, servent à réveiller la terre et indiquent que l’hiver doit se terminer, en espérant que le printemps commence à porter ses fruits le plus tôt possible.

Aussi avec cette rituel, Tradition et Science paraît se joindre, car il reste objectivement démontré que peut semaines après, la Printemp arrive au Pays Basque grâce à cette jolie habitudes, ils blaguent en group de scientifiques de l’Université du Pays Basque (UPV / EHU) que cette année ont été encouragées à changer par les rues de Bilbao. 

Visita https://txikito.es

Search / Buscar / Bilatu

News · Noticias · Albisteak

  • Ikerbasque will promote the return of Basque researchers from the United States given the new political scenario May 11, 2025
  • Donostia -San Sebastián Moda Festival, Spring-Summer 2025 May 8, 2025
  • BeDIGITAL will hold its seventh edition at the BEC with the participation of leading companies and organisations April 30, 2025
  • WindEurope 2025: Euskadi – Basque Country showcased its wind energy capacity April 25, 2025
  • Artistic narrative through Basque mythology and folklore   April 11, 2025
  • Bilbao Hosts Food 4 Future: Europe’s Largest Food Innovation Congress April 9, 2025
  • From Donostia – San Sebastian to the world: the cheesecake that is causing a furor March 27, 2025
  • The President of the Basque Country visited the United States of America March 25, 2025
  • SKFK presents its Oreka collection at a Basque pelota court in Paris March 13, 2025
  • Deusto University celebrates de III International Congress on Law and Artificial Intelligence March 7, 2025
  • Singapore and the Basque Country explore new business opportunities in renewable energies and biosciences March 6, 2025
  • Euskadi strengthens its position in Germany with Bavaria as a base camp for internationalisation March 4, 2025
  • Arania accelerates its expansion with innovation, sustainability and digital transformation. February 28, 2025
  • The third edition of the Euskadi logistics congress has been held at BEC in February February 27, 2025
  • Basque companies will participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine February 25, 2025
  • The ASETT centre “Arizmendiarrieta Social Economy Think Tank” opens in Donostia – San Sebastián. February 20, 2025
  • Bilbao Slush’D 2025: Discover, Connect and Grow February 5, 2025
  • The Basque Country seeks to grow and strengthen its position on the international stage January 22, 2025
  • Polypal’s metal storage racks, present in more than 30 countries December 22, 2024
  • The Seenapse platform supports the professional inspiration of creativity December 4, 2024
  • Councillor Mikel Jauregi heads Basque Government institutional and business mission to Japan and Taiwan December 4, 2024
  • ALL IN ON BOARD COURIER: An innovative and pioneering solution in express logistics October 29, 2024
  • Cyber Human Systems launches industrial exoskeleton to minimize fatigue and risk of injury October 29, 2024
  • EIT Manufacturing and Global Factor join forces to boost sustainability in industry October 15, 2024
  • This is LUR-1, the first 100% Basque satellite launched by AVS October 11, 2024
  • Euskatfund provides technical solutions and productivity improvements for the foundry sector worldwide October 7, 2024
  • Lantek company increases revenue and strengthens its position as a global leader October 6, 2024
  • Arkaitz Etxezarreta: “The DUNE project is a major technological and manufacturing challenge for Erreka” October 3, 2024
  • Technology Centers, Universities and Institutions, present Biqain: ‘Bizkaia Quantum Advanced Industries’. September 19, 2024
  • The Basque Diaspora: 7th International Day September 17, 2024
  • Artificial Intelligence International Basque Forum September 7, 2024
  • The ‘Conscious Factory’: TECNALIA makes it a reality with a 15% increase in activity in industrial companies August 28, 2024
  • Irega exports 95% of its adjustable wrench production to international markets August 13, 2024
  • Join BIND’s open innovation program: Call for disruptive startups and scale-ups in Europe July 23, 2024
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Food and Gastronomy: CIC Partners with Basque Culinary Center’s GOe–Gastronomy Open Ecosystem Initiative July 23, 2024
  • ‘Lanzo Batteries’: CIDETEC’s new company will manufacture batteries for space June 23, 2024
  • The new thermonuclear engine concept to power Europe’s space race May 29, 2024
  • Urbegi Social Impact: Transforming organizations and territories throught collaborative work April 28, 2024
  • The Passivhaus-style building with the highest accommodation capacity in Europe, designed by Basque professionals April 26, 2024
  • The Lehendakari, President of the Basque Government highlights the transformative power of the cultural and creative industries at the opening of the CWF24 April 16, 2024
  • The D’Elhuyar brothers: The discovery and isolation of tungsten April 13, 2024
  • Nominations are open for the 9th edition of the Basque Culinary Center world prize March 23, 2024
  • Basque Country Technology Park: the 1st technology park in the world powered by green hydrogen March 16, 2024
  • MUN Bilbao’ 2024, debates, solutions and union among young people of the world February 8, 2024
  • The World Economic Forum publishes in Davos the progress report on the “transition from industrial clusters to zero net emissions” initiative. January 26, 2024
  • “I am like a tree, with roots in a country and branches open to the world.”  Centenary of Eduardo Chillida. January 25, 2024
  • Euskadi reiterates its commitment to European industry at the tenth anniversary of the Vanguard Initiative network January 23, 2024
  • The Basque Government receives the international Catalyst 2030 award in London for its contribution to Agenda 2030 January 17, 2024
  • TECNALIA and FERSA Bearings join forces to implement Industry 5.0 in their European plants January 5, 2024
  • The Passivhaus building with the largest accommodation capacity in Europe has a Basque signature.  December 4, 2023

Categories

  • aeronautic
  • ANTIBIOTICS
  • Art
  • artificial intelligence
  • autism investigation
  • BASQUE COUNTRY
  • Basque government
  • BIO / Salud / Health / Osasuna
  • Business – Enpresak – Empresas
  • Culture / Cultura / Kultura
  • Education/Educación
  • engineering
  • entrepreneurial
  • environment
  • European Commission
  • industry
  • ingénierie
  • Innovation
  • Institutions / Erakundeak / Instituciones
  • International / Nazioartekoa / Internacional
  • Lifestyle / Estilo de Vida / Bizi-Estiloa
  • psychedelic disorders
  • public administration
  • Quality Innovation Award
  • Research / Ikerketa / Investigación / Science / Zientzia /Ciencia
  • space
  • STARTUP
  • sustainability
  • Technology
  • United Nations
  • UPV researchers
  • UPV/EHU
SPRI Group presents and World Manufacturing Forum
Iberdrola guggenheim
Polykey Polymers
Isozaki Atea Plaza de la Conviencia Puente Calatrava Abando
ISOZAKI Towers, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Gotongo
Torre Iberdrola Tower Building Torrea
IBERDROLA Energy, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Valdelana Familia
Culinary Action On the road Basque Center
BASQUE CULINARY ACTION
Nowport
Torre Iberdrola Guggenheim
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Bizkaia
LOGOS Company. Gipuzkoa
Logos
LOGOS Company. Gipuzkoa
Health Bio Technologies
BIOLAN Health workers
TEKNIKER & GAIKER Alliance
Valdelana
LOGOS Company. Gipuzkoa
CIDETEC
Urkullu - CTP
Dan Ansotegui
ZIV
AZTI
Embajador de la Araucania
Inser Robótica
Touchlight
Grupo Unceta
Tekniker and GAIKER Partnership
Echemar
Charla del Lehendakari Urkully con el embajador de Cuba
HanHemen Han Hemen
Dancer
Lehendakari Urkullu con Mathias Geisen CEO de Mercedes-Benz Vans
BASQUEVOLT
7/6/2022 PARTIDO ACB PLAY OFF 3º PARTIDO BASKONIA-REAL MADRID
Atlantic Arc Commission
Arantxa Tapia MUBIL Euskadi
ProWein 2022 - Euskadi Basque Country
Basque Country Japon
Euskadi Basque Country 2025
Select USA - Basque Trade & Investment
One Ocean Summit
Polykey
IKERLAN
Basque Culinary World Prize
Lantek
MoU: Euskadi y Flandes
Roberto Otxandio Izagirre
Mantala
Zeuko
Alias Robotics
Arantxa Tapia Eusko Jaurlaritza Gobierno Vasco
atelier iinovation pays basque eskual herria
BAIC e IndesIA
Dubai Expo - MTA
AZTI and Agour
Lehendakari
Euskadi Net Cero
CIDETEC
Salva
Gobierno Vasco Arantxa Tapia Aingoa Ondarzabal Virginia Energía Cluster
EMO Milan
Ingemat
Mundura Begira 2021
Inzu Group
Metagra
Iberdrola
Ana Arrieta, Fernando Cossio, Quimatryx
Zubiola
Mondragon Assembly
Fundación Ashoka
COP26 Tapia
Euskal Diasporaren Eguna
Euskal DIASPORAren Eguna

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021

Categories

  • aeronautic
  • ANTIBIOTICS
  • Art
  • artificial intelligence
  • autism investigation
  • BASQUE COUNTRY
  • Basque government
  • BIO / Salud / Health / Osasuna
  • Business – Enpresak – Empresas
  • Culture / Cultura / Kultura
  • Education/Educación
  • engineering
  • entrepreneurial
  • environment
  • European Commission
  • industry
  • ingénierie
  • Innovation
  • Institutions / Erakundeak / Instituciones
  • International / Nazioartekoa / Internacional
  • Lifestyle / Estilo de Vida / Bizi-Estiloa
  • psychedelic disorders
  • public administration
  • Quality Innovation Award
  • Research / Ikerketa / Investigación / Science / Zientzia /Ciencia
  • space
  • STARTUP
  • sustainability
  • Technology
  • United Nations
  • UPV researchers
  • UPV/EHU

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

About BASQUE.press

  • Ayudamos a crear y proyectar buenas noticias al Mundo.
  • Mundura berri onak sortzen eta proiektatzen laguntzea.
  • We help create and release good news to the world.

  • ¿Quiénes Somos?

 

Isozaki Atea / Plaza de la Convivencia.
48001 BILBAO / Euskadi / BASQUE COUNTRY
info@BASQUE.press

Tags · Etiketak · Etiquetas

Artificial Intelligence automoción Basque Companies Basque company Basque Country Basque Culture Basque government Basque Industry BEC Bilbao BIND 4.0 Bizkaia Business CIC energiGUNE Emprendimiento empresa vasca Energy Energía entrepreneurship Europe Euskadi France health Iberdrola Industry innovación Innovation internacional internacionalización international internationalization Japan Lehendakari Mondragon University País Vasco science SPRI Group Startup startups sustainability Technology Tecnología UPV/EHU Urkullu USA
basque press isotipo transp
© 2025 BASQUE.press | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme